BBC WEATHER has warned temperatures are set to take a tumble across Europe this week as “significant and disruptive snowfall” strikes the continent.

Europe is set to be hit by a “vigorous” area of low pressure which is due to unleash fierce winds, heavy rain, and snow across western parts of the continent – including in France, the Low Countries, Germany and then on to Poland. BBC Weather meteorologist Phil Avery said: “Once that system has moved through I think the temperatures really taking a tumble – some pretty cool air getting into the heart of Europe out towards the west as well. Then as we move that little bit further south because things are so cool.

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Unsettled weather for the Alps and into Dinaric Alps – significant and disruptive snowfall there

BBC Weather

“We will see significant snowfall as these weather systems bring the prospect of unsettled weather for down through the Alps and into Dinaric Alps – significant and disruptive snowfall there.”

The BBC forecaster said despite the eastern Mediterranean will be fine and settled on Monday before another storm approaches Europe.

Mr Avery added: “You will notice here Monday fine and settled for the greater part of the British Isles but looking over my shoulder there is another storm system on the way.

“That will eventually bring snowfall into the southern parts of Scandinavia during Tuesday and then a pretty wet and windy affair through the British Isles and into this northwestern quarter of Europe.

“It will be drier across the Alps at this stage but some very disruptive weather getting there by that stage down towards parts of Greece and on into Turkey across the Aegean and into the islands of the eastern Mediterranean.”

Heavy snow also fell on the north of England and Scotland on Saturday and early yesterday morning, causing widespread chaos.

The Met Office has been forced to issue a triple danger to life weather warning.

A violent storm with winds of up to 65mph is expected to batter the UK.

Met Office meteorologist Martin Bowles said: "It is going to be very wet and windy this weekend and through next week.

"This will affect most of the UK and, although there is some uncertainty, we are likely to issue weather warnings over the coming days.

Mr Bowles added: "Beyond the weekend it looks as though it will remain unsettled for several days with the risk of some snow."

Exacta Weather forecaster James Madden also said wintry weather will crank up a notch from mid-month with heavy snow likely during the second half of March.

He said: “We are looking at a significant snow risk over the next week and this could reach southern England and even the capital.

“From mid-Marchonwardsthere is the risk of a potent winter blast and this could bring some disruption with settling and drifting snow.

“While the heaviest snowfall will be over higher ground, we cannot rule out the possibility of this occurring at lower levels.”